Brassieres



Aug- 25, 1959 J. L.. KLEINMAN 2,900,983

BRAssIEREs Filed March 2, 1955 IN VEN TOR.

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United States Patent 2,900,983 Patented Aug. Z5, 1959 ice BRASSIERES Jacob L. Kleinman, New York, N.Y.

Application March 2, 1955, Serial No. 491,572

7 claims. (ci. 12a- 482) This invention relates to garment construction in general and more particularly to a type of garment wherein the circumferential size of a portion of such garment may be changed and adjusted to suit particular requirements at certain occasions without resorting to distortion of the shape of the garment or to undoing of seams or of sewing.

This application is iiled as a continuation in part of my copending application, Serial No. 286,740, filed May 8, 1952, now Patent No. 2,705,324, dated April 5, 1955, which was filed as a continuation in part of my then pending application Serial No. 551,808, filed August 30, 1944, matured into Patent No. 2,596,155, issued May 13, 1952.

My novel construction is capable of being utilized in connection with various styles o1' types of garments, but partcularly with the type, for example, 'forming body supporters, health belts, hosiery supporter belts, undergarments, foundation garments, brassieres, corsets, girdles, bathing garments, dressing garments, or any combination of the aforementioned garments.

In accordance with my invention, I produce a brassiere comprising two separate sections, wherein each one of these two sections is provided with a cup-shaped portion for supporting the wearers bust and with a shoulder strap, and wherein each of these two sections is provided with a concaved side portion, and wherein an expansion section is holding the two concaved side portions in a spaced apart position facing each other, and wherein each of the two concaved side portions is provided with interlocking fastening elements for bringing the concaved side portions close to each other, and wherein the concaved side portions are each provided with angularly disposed end portions to facilitate the gripping of the movable lock element, and wherein the material of the expansion section is of a lighter or thinner gauge than that of the thickness of the material which forms the body portion thereby facilitating the formation of the fold of such expansion section, and wherein such expansion section forms a closed pocket when in closed folded position.

There is, therefore, thus produced, in accordance with my invention, a brassiere, capable of being adjusted without resorting to sewing or undoing of seams; so that by merely moving the lock element in an upward or downward direction the wearer can easily adjust her bust into a position bringing her breasts closer towards each other or placing same further apart from each other, thus aifording additional means for beautifying her bustline and adding towards the attainment of gracefulness to the beautification of her general appearance.

To illustrate the ordinary commercial utility of my novel brassiere in daily life, a brassiere constructed in accordance with my invention, of what ever style or type it may be made could be utilized to great advantage,

the fact that this brassiere can be adjusted to suit the requirements of the wearer at various occasions, without distortion, would render great comfort and satisfaction to such wearer to an extent whereby' such garment would become an indispensable wardrobe item, and thus quite valuable to the trade commercially.

Particularly would such be the case with brassieres made in accordance with my invention, when worn by women who are very choosy in their form or manner of dressing. It is a known fact, that brassieres are worn by women for the purpose of holding their breasts in a position which they believe will add gracefulness or beautify their general appearance. Some women would like to have their breasts positioned somewhat closer towards each other believing that such breast or bust-line would add beauty to their figure; whereas, other women would prefer to have their breasts positioned somewhat further apart from each other in the belief that such bust-line would add to the beautification of theirl figure. And, due to the fact that in the present type of brassieres the cup-shaped portions for supporting the Wearers breasts are not adjustable with respect to each other, the woman who is particular with her manner of dressing, or general appearance, must therefore resort to alterations in order to bring such cup-shaped portions into desired position to suit her fancy; the avarage woman, not skilled in the art of undoing of seams or of sewing, must resort to tradesmen to have her'brassiere so altered, such alterations are usually quite expensive.

But if such brassiere would be made in accordance with my invention, all the wearer would have to do would be to reach for the zipper-lock located at the exterior of the front portion of the brassiere and move `same into desired direction, for example, downwardly; thereby separating the rows of fastening elements from each other and opening the fold of the expansion section in a manner as shown in Figs. 2 and 3 thus spacing the cup-shaped portions further apart from each other. Whereas, by moving the Zipper-lock in the opposite direction will cause the two rows of fastening elements to be interlocked with each other thereby bringing such cup-shaped portions somewhat closer to each other; thus enabling the wearerto `adjust the position of her breasts with respect to each other in a manner best suiting her fancy. And in addition thereto, the: fold of the expansion section, beyond the fastening elements, forms a closed pocket when such fastening elements are interlocked with each other which can be utilized by the wearer as a hidden pocket to hold therein folded dollar bills or small jewelry.

Furthermore, brassieres are usually worn tightly around the wearers body, and the wearer can not release such snug-fit of the brassiere without distortion. It often happens, upon certain/occasions, when relaxation is desired;

- for example, when at affairs or while dancing or dining,

at which times the wearer can not unhook her brassiere as it would distort her dress appearance; in which case the wearer has no alternative but must continue under such uncomfortable condition. Whereas, when wearing a brassiere made in accordance with my invention, all the wearer would have to do would be to reach for the zipper-lock and move same into desired direction, for eX- ample, downwardly, thereby separating the rows of fastening elements from each other, releasing the fold of the expansion section and obtaining the desired relief lwithout any distortion of her garments. y

From the above it is quite evident that my present invention teaches an entirely new form of .structure in the art of making brassieres, it completely eliminates the above-mentioned objectionable features and provides comfort and satisfaction to the wearer.

Thus a brassiere made in accordance with my inventionmay be worn with great comfort, it can be utilized to great advantage, `it can be easily adjusted to suit the 3 wearers requirements at various occasions, it is believed that such brassiere rwill prove quite valuable commercially.

The variety of possible applications of my novel construction in connection ,with different articles of apparel, as herein-above indicated, is so prolific that for the purpose of' illustratingy the invention the specific embodiment of my invention in its application to a garment exhibiting the greatest difficulties has been selected. Such a garmentis one which necessarily must conform most rigidly to the body contours and one which has the field of greatest possible commercial use. For this purpose I have selected for illustration of my novel construction, a garment constituted of a brassiere, so that the principles of construction may be best illustrated in a garment known as a brassiere.,

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference is had to the following detailed description togetherY with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. l is a front view of a brassiere constructed in accordance with my invention, the fastening elements being interlocked with each other;

Fig. 2 is a fragmental view showing the fastening elementsV in an unlocked position having the cup-shaped portions spaced further apart from each other then they are when the fastening elements are in interlocked psition as shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a fragmental perspective cross-sectional View taken along the line 3 3 of Fig. 2;' and Fig. '4 is a fragmental perspective cross-sectional View taken along the line 4 4 of Fig. l.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, in which similar reference characters identify similar parts in the several views, illustrating my novel adjustable brassiere.

Arrow A indicates a brassiere made in accordance with my invention. This brassiere comprises two separate body portions or sections 5V and 6, each provided with a shoulder strap S and 6 and with cup-shaped portions 5" and 6".

The body portion 5 is provided with a concaved side portion Sa and the body portion 6 is provided with a concaved side portion 6b. The side portions 5a and 6b are each provided with rows of suitable fastening elements 7 and 7, for example such as of the zipper type, adapted to be interlocked with each other.

The body portions 5 and 6 are secured to each other by means of an expansion section 8 in a manner whereby the concaved side portions 5a and 6b face each other.

The expansion section 8 may be secured to the body portions 5 and 6 in any suitable manner, but preferably in a manner for example as shown in the herein illustrations; wherein the end section 9 of the body portion 5 and the tape portion 7a of the zipper row 7 andthe end portion 8' of the expansion section 8 and also the end portion 9 of the over-lying member O are sewn together, by stitchings 11; and the end section 9a of the body portion 6 and the tape portion 7b of the zipper row 7 and the end portion 8 of the expansion section 8 and also the end portion 9 of the over-lying member O are sewn together by stitchings 11". The material 12 of the body portion 5 is then folded over upon itself in a manner forming a fold-edge 12', and is then secured to the end portion 10 of the over-lying member O by means of stitchings 11a; and the material 12a of the body portion 6 is then folded over upon itself in a manner forming a foldedge 12",' and is then secured to the end portion 11b of the over lying member O by means of stitchings 12b. The fold-edges 12' and 12" are so arranged that when the tworows of fastening elements are interlocked with each other these two fold edges meet witheach other and hide from view such interlocked rows of fastening elements, as indicated by arrow B. The concaved side portions 5a andV 6b are each provided with upper and lower inclined, curved or angularly-disposed, end portions 14 4 and 14'; for the purposeof providing clear unobstructed access to the slidable means or the movable lock element 15.

My brassiere structure may be worn by women of various types and ages; the positioning or locationing of the cup-shaped portions 5" and 6 is naturally optional with the wearer. If the wearer desires to have her breasts positioned closer towards each other all she has to do is to move the lock 15 into desired direction (for example, upwardly) thereby interlocking the two rows of fastening elements 7 and 7 with each other, bringing the cup-shaped portions 5" and 6 (and the wearers breasts which are located therein) closer towards each other, asshown in Fig. l. The expansion section 8 will, in such case, form a fold f which provides a closed pocket P beyond the rows of fastening elements wherein folded dollar bills or small jewelry may be kept for various reasons.

On the other hand, if the wearer desires to have her breasts positioned somewhat further apart from each otherall she has to do is to move the lock 15 into desired direction, for example downwardly, unlocking and separating the two rows of fastening elements 7 and 7 from each other, releasing the fold f of the expansion section 8, thereby spacing the cup-shaped portions 5" and 6" (and the wearers breasts located therein) further apart from each other; as shown in Fig. 2.

The same is true with respect to desired relief or relaxation; for example, brassieres are usually worn tightly around the wearers body, so that while dancing or dining, or at affairs, such tautness becomes excessive; the wearer must then go to her dressing room and unhook her brassiere in order to obtain the desired relief; this of course would distort her dress appearance, and many women will rather continue under such uncomfortable condition than to have their dress appearance distorted; such a condition may at times, impair thewearers health.

My improved brassiere structure, made in accordance with my invention, is therefore believed to be an important contribution to the art of making brassieres. The fact that the wearer of my brassiere canveasily obtain the desired relief by merely moving the lock 15 into desired location, without distortion of her dress appearance, will naturally add to the comfort of the wearer. It is therefore obvious that my structure wherein by moving the lock element 15 into desired direction, for example, downwardly, will unlock and separatel the two rows of fastening elements7 and 7 from each other, thereby releasing the fold f and thus enlarge or increase the girth of the brassiere without unhooking same and without distortion of the wearers dress appearance, is a very important feature which may prove to be of great commercial value.

I desire it to be understood that the disclosures herein are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation purposes. For example, if desired the two body portions 5 and 6 may be made of a single piece of material having a centrally locatedV bridge-section 2 and a slot or slit formed therein; it is naturally understood that such bridge-section may be made of various types of suitable material. Or, the various sections or portions may be shaped in any other manner or be secured to each other by other means than that shown in the illustrations; as hereinabove stated, these illustrations are for illustrative purposes only and not for limitation purposes.

It is therefore clear that my herein invention, namely, my brassiere wherein the cup-shaped portions 5 and 6 (supporting the wearers breasts) can be adjusted to position such wearers breasts closer to each other or be spaced further apart from each other, is a very important and practical improvement in this particular art. It aids greatly the wearer in the adjustment of her attire. This particular feature, or portion, of the herein invention is believed will be very beneficial to the wearer and therefore of commercial value to the manufacturer.

From the above it will be seen that I have invented and perfected a brassiere structure of a new and unique design, a brassiere structure which is practical, useful and therefore of commercial value, and, although I have shown certain preferred forms or illustrations in order to explain and describe the novelty of my invention, yet, by showing such structure, I do not, by any means, limit myself to these structures, nor to the terms used in describing same, as they are for illustrative purposes only. Various suggestions and changes of structure or terms may be resorted to, and I desire it to be understood that I have same in mind when showing and describing this invention, and seek protection by Letters Patent. And, although I have mentioned in describing this invention of what material certain parts may be made, how they may be formed, shaped or styled, and how they may be assembled or secured to each other, yet I desire it to be understood that this structure, or parts thereof, may be made of any suitable material, and shaped, formed, styled or arranged in any desirable manner, and secured to each other in any convenient way, and constructed in any manner which may be desirable, and that various changes and modifications may be made in the various details of construction without departing from the general spirit of this invention.

I claim:

1. A brassiere structure comprising two separate sections, each of said sections provided with a shoulder strap and with va cup-shaped portion and with a concaved side portion, each of said concaved side portions provided with a row of fastening elements, an expansion section, said expansion section secured to the said concaved side portions underneath the said rows of fastening elements in a manner holding the center portions of said concaved side portions spaced apart from each other and the said rows of fastening elements facing each other, each of said concaved side portions having upper angularly disposed end portions converging towards each other and lower angularly disposed end portions converging towards each other, slidable means carried by said rows of fastening elements, said means movable into one direction for interlocking said two rows of fastening elements with each other forming a fold of said expansion section and bringing said cup-shaped portions into a position closer to each other, said means movable towards the opposite direction for unlocking the said two rows of fastening elements from each other releasing said fold and causing the said cup-shaped portions to be in a position spaced further apart from each other.

2. A brassiere structure comprising a body portion having two spaced apart cup-shaped portions and a bridgesection between said two cup-shaped portions, said bridgesection provided with a set of spaced apart rows of fastening elements, the upper end portions of said two spaced rows of fastening elements converging towards each other and the lower end portions of such two rows converging towards each other, a slidable lock carried by said set of fastening elements, said lock movable towards one direction interlocking said two rows of fastening elements with each other bringing the said spaced cup-shaped portions into a position closer to each other and simultaneously therewith forming a fold-pocket of the material of the said bridge-section located between the said two rows of fastening elements, said lock movable towards the `opposite direction for unlocking the said two rows of fastening elements from each other releasing the said fold-pocket and causing the said cup-shaped portions to be placed in a position spaced further apart from each other.

3. A brassiere structure comprising a body portion having two cup-shaped portions and bridge-section between said two cup-shaped portions, said bridge-section having two oppositely disposed elongated side portions, a pair of opposing spaced apart complementary rows of fastening elements, said rows each comprising a tape having fastening means secured thereto, an expansion section having two side-end portions, one of said two side-end portions and the tape portion of one of said two rows secured to one of said elongated side portions and the other of said two side-end portions and the tape of the other of said two rows secured to the other of said elongated side portions, the material of the said bridge-section adjacent to each of said tapes bent over upon itself and secured thereto in a position forming loop-portions adjacent to each of the said fastening means, a slidable locking member, said member slidable towards one direction for interlocking said two rows of fastening elements with each other to cause a fold of said expansion section and to place said two spaced cup-shaped portions into a position closer to each other, said member being slidable towards the opposite direction to unlock and separate said two rows from each other to release said fold and cause the said two cup-shaped portions to be placed into a position further apart from each other.

4. A structure as set forth in claim 3, including an overlying member for covering the said side-end portions of said expansion section.

5. A structure as set forth in claim 3, wherein said eX- pansion section is of a thinner gauge in thickness than that of the body portion of said brassiere structure thereby facilitating the formation of said fold.

6. A structure as set forth in claim 4, wherein said overlying member is secured in its position by means of thread stitchings.

7. In a garment, a body having oppositely disposed side wall portions providing an elongated slit closed at its opposite ends, interengageable slide fastening means including slide engaging tapes secured to the inner faces of said side wall portions longitudinally of and adjacent to the edges of the slit whereby said tapes are Concealed beneath the side wall portions when the edges of the slit are in abutting closed relation, a slide fastening element engaging said tapes and accessible from outside the slit for closing the same and for disposing the sides of the slit in abutting a closed relation, and a foldable backing secured to the inner face of said side wall portions across the ends of said slit and longitudinally of and in spaced relation to the edges thereof in underlying relation with the tapes and in bridging relation with the slit, and said foldable backing adaptedto unfold and spread open laterally when the side walls of the body are spread apart to widen the slit.

References Cited n the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,141,006 Marinsky Dec. 20, 1938 2,466,638 Denis Apr. 5, 1949 2,580,314 Nehrenz Dec. 25, 1951 2,593,711 Weatherly Apr. 22, 1952 2,596,155 Kleinman May 13, 1952 

